Spread-spectrum communication method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

The communication period of spread spectrum data is divided into a plurality of portions, and an adjustment period for receiving the spread spectrum data is provided between one data-communication period and another communication period. Thereby, the setting of a receiving end is adjusted in the adjustment period after the spread spectrum data is received in one data-communication period.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a spread-spectrum communication methodand apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

In a time-sharing communication method for converting data to bursts, inorder to receive and demodulate data bursts it is necessary to establishsynchronization with the data bursts to be received. It is alsonecessary that only desired information addressed to the receiving endbe detected and extracted from the received signals. In addition,conflict between one station and another station must be avoided.Accordingly, in general, in such a communication method data istransmitted in accordance with a regular format.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a format for a data burst in the abovecommunication method. For example, data bursts each include a preambleconsisting of a synchronization code (SY), a unique word (UW) and astation-identification code (ID), and data (DA). Between the data burststhere is a guard time (GT).

A receiving end which receives the data bursts uses the synchronizationcode in the preamble period to perform reproduction of a carrier, inputof automatic gain control (AGC), establishment of clock synchronization,and so forth. The receiving end further detects the unique word (UW) andthe station-identification code (ID), and when it perceives that thesuccessive data (DA) is desired data addressed to itself, it holds areproduced carrier, AGC, clock synchronization and so forth until thedata terminates, and it demodulates the data.

However, this communication method causes an error in the referenceclock frequency between the transmitting and receiving ends. Thus, withthe lapse of time, the receiving end's clock which has held theestablished synchronization in the preamble, also has increasedsynchronization errors with respect to the transmitting end's clock. Inaddition, for example, if the transmission line is wireless,communication quality may vary with time, which results in thepossibility of the input AGC held in the preamble losing its optimumcondition with the lapse of time. According to this communicationmethod, the maximum time during which data can be transmitted with onedata burst is limited by the time during which synchronizationprecision, AGC precision and so forth can be maintained.

According to the above communication method, when a large amount ofdigital data (e.g., image data or the like) adapted for recentmultimedia applications is transmitted, as shown in FIG. 2, data isdivided into a plurality of portions, and the complete data must betransmitted as a plurality of data bursts. As a result, the preambletime and the guard time with respect to the time used for transmissionof the actual data increases, and there is the possibility of aninterrupting burst from another station occurring between the divideddata bursts. Consequently, the data throughput deteriorates.

In order to extend the maximum time during which the data can betransmitted with one data burst, a precise frequency oscillator, and acomplicated synchronization circuit or AGC must be used, whichdisadvantageously requires an expensive, large-sized apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide aspread-spectrum communication method and apparatus having a highthroughput.

It is another object of the present invention to provide aspread-spectrum communication method and apparatus adapted forperforming large-amount data communication.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide aspread-spectrum communication method and apparatus in which anadjustment period for receiving spread spectrum data is provided in aperiod for transmitting spread spectrum data.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide aspread-spectrum communication method and apparatus which communicate anadjustment signal for adjusting reception of spread spectrum data in aplurality of divided data-communication periods.

Other objects of the present invention will be apparent from theembodiments described below, based on the attached drawings.

To this end, according to a first aspect of the present invention, theforegoing objects have been achieved through provision of a spreadspectrum communication method comprising the steps of: dividing acommunication period for spread spectrum data into a plurality ofcommunication periods; and providing an adjustment period for receivingthe spread spectrum data between one data-communication period andanother data-communication period.

The spread spectrum communication method may further comprise the stepof synchronizing a spread code in the adjustment period.

The spread spectrum communication method may further comprise the stepof providing the adjustment period prior to the plurality ofdata-communication periods.

The spread spectrum communication method may further comprise the stepof holding the adjusted setting of the receiving end in thedata-communication period.

The spread spectrum communication method may further comprise the stepof holding gain in the data-communication period.

The spread spectrum communication method may further comprise the stepof communicating code-division-multiplexed data in thedata-communication period.

The spectrum communication method further comprising the step ofproviding the adjustment period prior to the plurality ofdata-communication periods, may still further comprise the steps ofestablishing the setting of a receiving end in the adjustment periodprior to the plurality of data communication periods; and correcting theestablished setting in the adjustment period between onedata-communication period and the next data-communication period.

Preferably, in the spread spectrum communication method furthercomprising the step of providing the adjustment period prior to theplurality of data-communication periods, the gain for the adjustment inthe adjustment period prior to the plurality of data-communicationperiods is larger than the gain for the adjustment in the adjustmentperiod between the one data-communication period and the nextdata-communication period.

Preferably, in the spread spectrum communication method furthercomprising the step of providing the adjustment period prior to theplurality of data-communication periods, an adjusting signalcommunicated in the adjustment period prior to the plurality ofdata-communication periods is longer than an adjusting signalcommunicated in the adjustment period between the one data-communicationperiod and the next data-communication period.

The spread spectrum communication method further comprising the step ofcommunicating code-division-multiplexed data in the data-communicationperiod may further comprise the step of communicating a signal notmultiplexed by code division multiplexing, in the adjustment period.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the foregoingobjects have been achieved through provision of a spread spectrumcommunication apparatus comprising: data communication means forcommunicating spread spectrum data in a plurality of divideddata-communication periods; and adjustment-signal communication meansfor communicating an adjustment signal for adjusting reception of spreadspectrum data between one data-communication period and anothercommunication period.

The spread spectrum communication apparatus may further compriseadjustment means for establishing the setting of a receiving end inaccordance with the adjustment signal prior to the plurality ofdata-communication periods and correcting the established setting inaccordance with the adjustment means between the one data-communicationperiod and the next data-communication period.

The spread spectrum communication apparatus may further comprise holdingmeans for holding the setting of the receiving end in thedata-communication period.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a chart showing details of the format of a data burstaccording to the related art.

FIG. 2 is a chart showing a case where a large amount of data istransmitted in the related art.

FIG. 3 is a chart showing the format of a data burst according to afirst embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are block diagrams showing a transmitting end in anembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are block diagrams showing a receiving end in anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a case where a preamble is being receivedin the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a case where a mid-amble is being receivedin the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a chart showing the format of data bursts in a secondembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a case where a mid-amble is being receivedin the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a chart showing the format of data bursts according to athird embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a case where a preamble is being receivedin the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a case where a mid-amble is beingreceived in the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a chart showing the format of data bursts according to afourth embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 3 shows the format of a data burst according to a first embodimentof a digital communication method of the present invention. For example,the data burst having a train-type data-burst structure includes apreamble (PR), data (DA) and one or a plurality of what will,hereinafter, be termed “mid-ambles” (MD). The preamble (PR) includes asynchronization code (SY), a unique word representing the start ofreceived data, and a station-identification code (ID) showing whichstation the information is addressed to. The mid-amble (MD) includes asynchronization code (SY).

The length of the data (DA) is equal to the maximum duration of datacapable of being transmitted with one data burst, which is limited by atime during which synchronous precision or AGC precision in the relatedart can be maintained.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B show the diagrams of a transmitting end and areceiving end according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 4A, a data processor 41 in the transmittingend generates a data burst as shown in FIG. 3 in accordance with acommand from an upper layer 40, and sends the data burst as a spreadspectrum signal to a transmission line via a high-frequency processor42. Information data (DA), a station-identification code (ID), a statusindicator (ST) (shown in FIG. 10) and so forth are sent as data from theupper layer 40 into the data processor 41 shown in FIG. 4A. A timinggenerator 41A shown in FIG. 4B generates each predetermined timinginvolved in constructing the data burst. In accordance with the timinggenerated by the timing generator 41A, an SS modulator 41E outputs thesynchronization code (SY) without modulating it in thesynchronization-code (SY) period. Also, in the unique-word (UW) period aselector 41D selects a transmission signal from a signal series “0101 .. . ” generated from a UW generator 41C in accordance with the timinggenerated by the timing generator 41A. The SS modulator 41E performs thespread modulation of the output of the selector 41D, and the modulatedoutput is sent as a spread spectrum signal to the transmission line viathe high-frequency processor 42. In the synchronization-code (SY) periodthe selector 41D operates so that the SS modulator 41E is not suppliedwith the signals from the upper layer 40 and the UW generator 41C.

At this time the timing generator 41A has control such that thesynchronization code (SY) is output from the SS modulator 41E in the SYperiod, the unique word (UW) is output from the UW generator 41C in theunique-word (UW) period among the other periods, and thestation-identification code (ID), the status (ST) and the data (DA) areoutput from the upper layer 40.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show flowcharts of the operation of the receiving end whenit has received the above-described data burst. FIG. 6 shows a conditionin which the preamble (PR) is being received, while FIG. 7 shows acondition in which the mid-amble (MD) is being received.

When the receiving end, having received the spread-spectrum data burst,receives the synchronization code (SY) of the preamble (PR) in step S11,the AGC is acquired by a high-frequency processor 43 in steps S12 andS13, and clock synchronization is established by a synchronizer 44A inaccordance with the synchronization code in steps S14 and S15. In thesuccessive steps S16 and S17, while the AGC and the clocksynchronization are fine-adjusted, the unique word (UW) is detected by acomparator 44E in steps S18 and S19. In an initial condition a selector44G selects a UW generator 44D. When the comparator 44E detects theunique word (UW), in step S20 a timing generator 44F holds the AGC andthe clock synchronization by the high-frequency processor 43 and thesynchronizer 44A, and switches the selector 44G to an ID generator 44Bin step S21. In step S21, the comparator 44E detects thestation-identification code (ID), and when it recognizes that thereceived data is desired data addressed to the receiving end (i.e., tothis particular receiver), the timing generator 44F causes a demodulator44C to demodulate the data (DA) in step S215.

Termination of the data (DA) in step S22 is followed by determination ofwhether or not the next group of data (DA) is being received in stepS31. If the next data (DA) is being received (or has arrived in itsentirely), reception of the synchronization code (SY) of the mid-amble(MD) causes the timing generator 44F to perform fine adjustment of theAGC by the high-frequency processor 43 in step S32, fine phaseadjustment of the clock signal by the synchronizer 44A in step S33, andso forth. An upper layer 45 informs the timing generator 44F whether thedata has terminated or whether a following mid-amble has been received,in step S31. Since acquisition of the clock synchronization and the AGChas been established in the preamble (PR) period, the clocksynchronization in the mid-amble (MD) period is sufficiently achieved byonly phase correction, and the initial acquisition of the AGC is notneeded. Accordingly, the synchronization code in the mid-amble (MD)period may be shorter than the synchronization code in preamble (PR)period. The high-frequency processor 43 increases the gain to cause therapid acquisition of the AGC in step S13, and decreases the gain toperform fine adjustment of the AGC in step S16 or S32. After the lapseof a predetermined time, the timing generator 44F holds the AGC and theclock synchronization by the high-frequency processor 43 and thesynchronization unit 44 in step S36, and causes an SS demodulator 44C todemodulate the data (DA) in step S215. The receiving end performs theabove processes until the train terminates.

In this manner, according to the first embodiment, even when a largeamount of digital data is sent, the data can be transmitted withoutseparating it into a plurality of data bursts. In this case the need fora plurality of conventionally required unique words (UW),station-identification codes (ID) and guard times (GT) is eliminated,and there is no possibility that interrupting bursts from anotherstation occur. Consequently, improving the data throughput itself isrealized.

FIG. 8 shows the format of a data burst according to a second embodimentof the present invention.

The data burst according to the second embodiment has a train-typedata-burst structure including a preamble (PR), data (DA) and one or aplurality of mid-ambles (MD). The preamble (PR) includes asynchronization code (SY), a unique word (UW) and astation-identification code (ID). Each mid-amble includes asynchronization code (SY) and a unique word (UW)

The structure used with this format is identical to that shown in FIGS.4A, 4B, 5A and 5B.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the operation of the receiving end inhandling such a data burst, and in particular, the mid-amble (MD). Theoperation of the receiving end while receiving the preamble (PR) isidentical to that shown in FIG. 6.

In a case where there are successive groups of data (DA), when thesynchronization code (SY) of the mid-amble (MD) is received in step S31,the high-frequency processor 43 performs fine adjustment of AGC in stepS32 and the synchronizer 44A performs fine phase adjustment of the clocksignal and so forth in step S33. Here, since the acquisition of theclock synchronization and the AGC has been established in the preamble(PR) period, the clock synchronization in the mid-amble (MD) period issufficiently achieved by only phase correction, and the initialacquisition of the AGC is not necessary. Accordingly, thesynchronization code in the mid-amble (MD) period may be shorter thanthe synchronization code in the preamble (PR) period. While the AGC andthe clock synchronization are being fine-adjusted in steps S32 and S33,the unique word (UW) is detected by the comparator 44E in steps S34A andS35A. When the mid-amble is received, the timing generator 44F switchesthe selector 44G to the UW generator 44D. When the comparator 44Edetects the unique word (UW), the timing generator 44F holds the AGC andthe clock synchronization by the high-frequency processor 43 and thesynchronization unit 44 in step S36, and causes the SS demodulator 44Cto demodulate the data in step S215.

Therefore, even when a large amount of digital data is sent, the needfor a plurality of conventionally required station-identification codes(ID) and guard times (GT) is eliminated, and there is no possibilitythat interrupting bursts from another station occur. Consequently,improving the data throughput itself is realized.

Here, although inserting the unique word (UW) in the mid-amble (MD)slightly decreases the total throughput, it is effective in improvingdata-start detection precision after each mid-amble (MD).

FIG. 10 shows the format of a data burst according to a third embodimentof the present invention. For example, the data burst has a train typedata-burst structure including data (DA) as information to be originallysent, a guard time (GT) provided before the start of sending in order toavoid conflict, a preamble (PR), and one or a plurality of mid-ambles(MD) in data transmission. The preamble (PR) includes a synchronizationcode (SY), a unique word (UW) as a signal series of “0101 . . . ”representing the start of received data, station-identification code(ID) showing which station the information is addressed to, and a statusindicator (ST) as information about the length of the data, the type ofdata and the number of data groups included in one train (three groupsof data in FIG. 10). The mid-amble (MD) includes a synchronization code(SY) and a unique word (UW).

The structure described in the third embodiment is identical to thoseshown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B.

The receiving end which received the data burst causes the dataprocessor 44 to establish synchronization by means of the high-frequencyprocessor 43 shown in FIG. 5A and to demodulate the data. In the dataprocessor 44, a demodulation clock signal with synchronizationestablished in the synchronization code (SY) period is used to performreverse spread demodulation in the SS demodulator 44C, and thecomparator 44E compares the signal series of “0101 . . . ” generatedfrom the UW generator 44D and the demodulated data. If the output dataof the SS demodulator 44C coincides with the unique word (UW) from theUW generator 44D, the timing generator 44F generates each predeterminedtiming included in the data burst, and sends the information data (DA),the station-identification code (ID), the status (ST) and so forth tothe upper layer 45.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show flowcharts of the operation of the receiving endwhen processing the above-described data burst. In an initial conditionthe timing generator 44F sets the selector 44G to the UW generator 44D.When the data burst is received, in step S52 the AGC is acquired by thehigh-frequency processor 43 and the clock synchronization is establishedby the synchronizer 44A in accordance with the synchronization code.Successively, when the unique word (UW) is detected by the comparator44E in step S53, the timing generator 44F performs setting so that instep S54 the high-frequency processor 43 and the synchronizer 44A holdthe AGC and the clock synchronization.

The timing generator 44F also sets the selector 44G to the ID generator44B. In addition, when the comparator 44E detects that thestation-identification code (ID) received in step S57 is addressed tothe receiving end (i.e., to this particular receiver), the timinggenerator 44F recognizes the status input from the SS demodulator 44C inthe subsequent step S58. The SS demodulator 44C demodulates the data instep S59, and performs setting so that the demodulated data is output tothe upper layer 45 until it detects the end of the data in step S60.

The length and number of the groups of data (DA) are included in thestatus (ST) recognized in step S58. The timing generator 44F controlsthe reception sequence, based on them.

In addition, by sending the status (ST) to the upper layer 45,notification of the end of the data and the end of the train may begiven from the upper layer 45.

If in step S61 the end of the train is not detected, or when a mid-amble(MD) and data group (DA) are received after reception of a precedingdata group (DA), the previously established AGC and synchronization heldin steps S52 and S54 are adjusted in step S71 in accordance with thesynchronization code (SY) of the mid-amble (MD). When the unique word(UW) of the mid-amble (MD) is detected in step S72, the AGC, thesynchronization and so forth are held in step S73, the process returnsto step S59. If the SS demodulator 44C detects the end of the train, theprocess returns to step S52. Also, if it is found in step S57 that thestation-identification code (ID) detected by the SS demodulator 44C isnot addressed to the receiving end, the process returns to step S52.

The acquisition of the clock synchronization and the AGC has beenestablished in the preamble period. Thus, the clock synchronization inthe mid-amble period is sufficiently achieved by only phase correction,and the need for the initial acquisition of the AGC is eliminated.Accordingly, the synchronization code (SY) in the mid-amble (MD) may beshorter than the synchronization code (SY) in the preamble (PR) period.The high-frequency processor 43 increases the gain in step S52 so thatthe AGC is rapidly acquired, and in step S71 the gain is reduced toprecisely adjust the AGC. The synchronizer 44A increases the acquisitiongain in step S52, and decreases it in step S71.

FIG. 13 shows the format of a data burst according to a fourthembodiment of the present invention.

The data burst shown in FIG. 13 includes a preamble (PR), data groups(DA) and one or a plurality of mid-ambles (MD). The preamble (PR)includes a synchronization code (SY), a unique word (UW), and astation-identification code (ID). The data (DA) is multiplexed by codedivision multiplexing. Each mid-amble (MD) includes a synchronizationcode (SY). A CDM communication method, which is one spread-spectrumcommunication method used to improve data throughput, uses N mutuallyorthogonal codes to perform the frequency-axially spread multiplexing ofdata, and sends the multiplexed data.

According to the fourth embodiment, the SS modulator 41E has a structureas shown in FIG. 4B, and performs the code division multiplexing (CDM)of the data burst by using the spread-spectrum (SS) communicationmethod.

In addition, the SS modulator 44C has a structure as shown in FIG. 5B,and uses N mutually orthogonal PN codes to perform the CDM reversespreading of the code-division-multiplexed data. (The structures shownin SS modulators 41E and 44C are well known in themselves and need notbe described; nonetheless, some details are noted below) Here, as shownin FIG. 10, by using a signal which is not multiplexed as a code in thepreamble and the mid-amble, power consumed by the preamble and themid-amble can be increased N times power per data channel, which meansthat synchronization establishing and AGC inputting, need not be greatlyaffected by a change in the communication quality of the transmissionline.

Other operations of the receiving end may be performed by the processesshown in FIGS. 6, 7, 9, 11 and 12.

When a code-synchronous CDM communication method is used in the SSmodulator 44E, the spread spectrum modulation and multiplexing (CDM) ofthe selector 41E output is performed using N mutually orthogonal PN(pseudo-noise) codes. In this case the modulator 41E selects asynchronization code PN₀ from spread codes PN₀ to PN_(n), and outputs itas an SY code to the high-frequency processor 42, without performing thecode division multiplexing of it.

The code-synchronous CDM communication method is a spread-spectrumcommunication method used to improve the data throughput, which uses Nmutually orthogonal codes to perform the spread multiplexing of dataonto a frequency, and sends the multiplexed data. When the data or thelike formed by the CDM is received and demodulated, gain andsynchronization are held by the receiving end.

The station-identification code (ID), the status (ST) and the uniqueword (UW) other than information data are transmitted using one spreadcode.

In the foregoing, although the present invention has been describedbased on the preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is notlimited to the structures of those embodiments but may be modifiedwithin the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A spread spectrum communication method comprisingthe steps of: dividing a communication period for a spread spectrumsignal into a plurality of data-communication periods; providing anadjusting period between one data-communication period and anotherdata-communication period, such that the spread spectrum signal iscontinuously communicated by communicating an adjustment signal foradjusting reception of the spread spectrum signal during the adjustmentperiod; holding an adjusted setting of a receiving end in thedata-communication period; communicating code-division-multiplexed datain the data-communication period; and communicating the adjustmentsignal not multiplexed by code division multiplexing, in the adjustmentperiod.
 2. A spread spectrum communication method according to claim 1,further comprising the step of synchronizing a spread code in theadjustment period.
 3. A spread spectrum communication method accordingto claim 1, further comprising the step of providing a first adjustmentperiod prior to the plurality of data-communication periods.
 4. A spreadspectrum communication method according to claim 3, further comprisingthe steps of establishing the setting of a receiving end in the firstadjustment period prior to the plurality of data communication periods;and correcting the established setting in the first adjustment period,between the one data-communication period and the otherdata-communication period.
 5. A spread spectrum communication methodaccording to claim 3, wherein gain for the adjustment in the firstadjustment period prior to the plurality of data-communication periodsis larger than gain for the adjustment in the adjustment period betweenthe one data-communication period and the other data-communicationperiod.
 6. A spread spectrum communication method according to claim 3,wherein an adjusting signal communicated in the first adjustment periodprior to the plurality of data-communication periods is longer than anadjusting signal communicated in the adjustment period between the onedata-communication period and the other data-communication period.
 7. Aspread spectrum communication method according to claim 1, furthercomprising the step of adjusting gain in the adjustment period.
 8. Aspread spectrum communication apparatus comprising: communication meansfor communicating a spread spectrum signal divided into a plurality ofdata-communication periods; adjustment-signal communication means forcontinuously communicating an adjustment signal for adjusting receptionof the spread spectrum signal between one data-communication period andanother communication period, such that the spread spectrum signal iscontinuously communicated; holding means for holding an adjusted settingof a receiving end in the data-communication period; wherein said datacommunication means communicates code-division-multiplexed data in thedata-communication period and wherein said adjustment signalcommunication means communicates an adjustment signal not multiplexed bycode division multiplexing.
 9. A spread spectrum communication apparatusaccording to claim 8, wherein the adjustment signal is a signal foradjusting the synchronization of a spread code.
 10. A spread spectrumcommunication apparatus according to claim 8, wherein saidadjustment-signal communication means communicates a first adjustmentsignal prior to the plurality of data-communication periods.
 11. Aspread spectrum communication apparatus according to claim 10, furthercomprising adjustment means for establishing the setting of a receivingend in accordance with the first adjustment signal prior to theplurality of data-communication periods and correcting the establishedsetting in accordance with the adjustment signal between the onedata-communication period and the other data-communication period.
 12. Aspread spectrum communication apparatus according to claim 10, whereingain caused by adjustment in accordance with the first adjustment signalprior to the plurality of data-communication periods is larger than gaincaused by adjustment in accordance with the adjustment signal betweenthe one data-communication period and the other data-communicationperiod.
 13. A spread spectrum communication apparatus according to claim10, wherein the first adjustment signal prior to the plurality ofdata-communication periods is longer than the adjustment signal betweenthe one data-communication period and the other data-communicationperiod.
 14. A spread spectrum communication apparatus according to claim8, wherein the adjustment signal is a signal for adjusting gain.
 15. Aspread spectrum communication method comprising the steps of: dividing acommunication period for spread spectrum data into a plurality ofcommunication periods; communicating code-division-multiplexed data inthe plurality of data-communication periods; and communicating a signalnot multiplexed by code division multiplexing in an adjustment periodfor receiving the spread spectrum data between one data-communicationperiod and another data-communication period.
 16. A spread spectrumcommunication method according to claim 15, wherein a signal forsynchronizing a spread code is communicated in the adjustment period insaid signal communication step.
 17. A spread spectrum communicationmethod according to claim 15, wherein a signal for adjusting gain iscommunicated in the adjustment period in said signal communicating step.18. A spread spectrum communication method according to claim 15,further comprising the step of communicating a first signal prior to theplurality of data-communicating periods, wherein a communication periodof the first signal is longer than that of the signal communicatedbetween said one data-communication period and said anotherdata-communication period.
 19. A spread spectrum communication methodaccording to claim 15, wherein the signal is communicated so as tocontinue communication between said one data-communication period andsaid another data-communication period.
 20. A spread spectrumcommunication apparatus comprising: data communication means forcommunicating code-division multiplexed data in a plurality of divideddata-communication periods; and adjustment-signal communication meansfor communicating an adjustment signal for adjusting reception of spreadspectrum data between one data-communication period and anothercommunication period, wherein the adjusting signal is not multiplexed bycode-division multiplexing.
 21. A spread spectrum communicationapparatus according to claim 20, wherein said adjustment-signalcommunication means communicates an adjustment signal for synchronizinga spread code in the adjustment period.
 22. A spread spectrumcommunication apparatus according to claim 20, wherein saidadjustment-signal communication means communicates an adjustment signalfor adjusting gain in the adjustment period.
 23. A spread spectrumcommunication apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising meansfor communicating a first signal prior to the plurality ofdata-communicating periods, wherein a communication period of the firstsignal is longer than that of the signal communicated between said onedata-communication period and said another data-communication period.24. A spread spectrum communication apparatus according to claim 20,wherein said adjustment-signal communication means communicates thesignal so as to continue communication between said onedata-communication period and said another data-communication period.25. A spread spectrum communication method comprising the steps of:dividing a communication period for spread spectrum data into aplurality of communication periods; providing a first adjustment periodfor receiving the spread spectrum data prior to the plurality ofdata-communication periods; and providing a second adjustment periodbetween one data-communication period and another data-communicationperiod, wherein the first adjustment period is longer than the secondadjustment period.
 26. A spread spectrum communication method accordingto claim 25, further comprising the step of communicating signals forsynchronizing a spread code in the first and second adjustment period.27. A spread spectrum communication method according to claim 25,further comprising the step of communicating signals for adjusting gainin the first and second adjustment period.
 28. A spread spectrumcommunication method according to claim 25, further comprising the stepof communicating a code-division multiplexed signal in the plurality ofdata-communication periods and communicating signals not multiplexed bycode-division multiplexing in the first and second adjustment periods.29. A spread spectrum communication method according to claim 25,further comprising the step of communicating a signal so as to continuecommunication between said one data-communication period and saidanother data-communication period.
 30. A spread spectrum communicationapparatus comprising: data communication means for communicating spreadspectrum data in a plurality of divided data-communication periods; andadjustment-signal communication means for communicating a firstadjustment signal for adjusting reception of spread spectrum data priorto the plurality of data-communication periods and a second adjustmentsignal between one data-communication period and another communicationperiod, wherein the first adjustment signal is longer than the secondadjustment signal.
 31. A spread spectrum communication apparatusaccording to claim 30, wherein said adjustment-signal communicationmeans communicating the first signal for synchronizing a spread code inthe adjustment period.
 32. A spread spectrum communication apparatusaccording to claim 30, wherein said adjustment-signal communicationmeans communicates the first and second signals for adjusting gain inthe adjustment period.
 33. A spread spectrum communication apparatusaccording to claim 30, wherein said data communication meanscommunicates a code-division multiplexed signal in the plurality ofdata-communication periods, and said adjustment-signal communicationmeans communicates the first and second signals not multiplexed by codedivision multiplexing in first and second adjustment periods.
 34. Aspread spectrum communication apparatus according to claim 30, whereinthe adjustment-signal communication means communicates the second signalso as to continue communication between said one data-communicationperiod and said another data-communication period.
 35. A spread spectrumcommunication method comprising the steps of: dividing a communicationperiod for a spread spectrum signal into a plurality ofdata-communication periods; providing an adjustment period between onedata-communication period and another data-communication period, suchthat the spread spectrum signal is continuously communicated bycommunicating an adjustment signal for adjusting reception of the spreadspectrum signal during the adjustment period; holding an adjustedsetting of a receiving end in the data-communication period; andproviding a first adjustment period prior to the plurality ofdata-communication periods, wherein gain for the adjustment in the firstadjustment period prior to the plurality of data communication periodsis larger than gain for the adjustment in the adjustment period betweenthe one data-communication period and the other data-communicationperiod.
 36. A spread spectrum communication method comprising the stepsof: dividing a communication period for a spread spectrum signal into aplurality of data-communication periods; providing an adjustment periodbetween one data-communication period and another data-communicationperiod, such that the spread spectrum signal is continuouslycommunicated by communicating an adjustment signal for adjustingreception of the spread spectrum signal during the adjustment period;holding an adjusted setting of a receiving end in the data-communicationperiod; and providing a first adjustment period prior to the pluralityof data-communication periods, wherein an adjusting signal communicatedin the first adjustment period prior to the plurality of datacommunication periods is longer than an adjusting signal communicated inthe adjustment period between the one data communication period and theother data-communication period.
 37. A spread spectrum communicationapparatus comprising: communication means for communicating a spreadspectrum signal divided into a plurality of data-communication periods;adjustment-signal communication means for continuously communicating anadjustment signal for adjusting reception of the spread spectrum signalbetween one data-communication period and another communication period,such that the spread spectrum signal is continuously communicated; andholding means for holding an adjusted setting of a receiving end in thedata-communication period, wherein said adjustment-signal communicationmeans communicates a first adjustment signal prior to the plurality ofdata-communication periods, and wherein gain caused by adjustment inaccordance with the first adjustment signal prior to the plurality ofdata-communication periods is larger than gain caused by adjustment inaccordance with the adjustment signal between the one data-communicationperiod and the other data-communication period.
 38. A spread spectrumcommunication apparatus comprising: communication means forcommunicating a spread spectrum signal divided into a plurality ofdata-communication periods; adjustment-signal communication means forcontinuously communicating an adjustment signal for adjusting receptionof the spread spectrum signal between one data-communication period andanother communication period, such that the spread spectrum signal iscontinuously communicated; and holding means for holding an adjustedsetting of a receiving end in the data-communication period, whereinsaid adjustment-signal communication means communicates a firstadjustment signal prior to the plurality of data-communication periods,and wherein the first adjustment signal prior to the plurality ofdata-communication periods is longer than the adjustment signal betweenthe one data-communication period and the other data-communicationperiod.